Re: [ATM] First telescope

[Gil McFarlane <gilboastro@yahoo.com>]

I'd agree with the idea of having a smaller telescope
with very good optics is more satisfying than a large
telescope with significant problems.  (The big jump in
optics is not going from 6" to 8", but going from our
eye to any telescope at all!)

If you want to maximize smoothness and contrast in
your image, then pick an f ratio that makes
parabolization unnecessary - or plan on making a flex
mirror cell to flex a spherical mirror into a
parabola.  Unless you have a mirror making class
available for help - I think your first mirror should
be spherical.  (My longest scope right now has a 5"
f12 mirror and is giving me very nice views of
Jupiter).   

IMHO I'd therefore suggest a 6" f10 mirror
(spherical), or an 8" mirror f6 - f8 (flexed).

Gil


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